The statistics reveal that more than 65 million Americans suffer from back pain every year. The figures world over are even more staggering. Every time you have a back pain, you can not rush to your physician. Hundreds of over the counter medications are there for your rescue. Some of them are household names!

But mostly, they are just temporary measures- the stop gap arrangements! The helping hand, for a very short time! Because it is believed that these over the counter medicines, do not treat but suppress the disease. Any suppression is not going to have the permanent effect. The intensity of the reaction will be in proportion to the intensity of the action, if not more.

There is no certain, or the so called miracle-cure for the back pain yet. The complaint of each patient is different and hence the solutions are also varied. So, the health care professionals prescribe you medications depending upon your specific condition. Well, the options of back pain treatment as well as medications are numerous. And henceforth it is very difficult to prepare a merit-list in the order of seniority of these treatments.

Many of the medications that are mainly meant to treat the back pain perform helpful ancillary functions. They successfully tackle inflammation, spasm and muscle tension. These are known as Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAID).

You are sure to be familiar with some of the names- ibuprofen, aspirin for example. During acute pain, these medications are known to provide instant relief. Many people resort to these drugs regularly for quick back pain relief. Some of the side effects of these are sure to take place though. One of the known side effects is that they have a tendency to cause gastrointestinal upset.

Physicians prescribe opioids, popularly known as muscle relaxants in cases of severe pain, but the ingredients of the medications can be habit forming.

Another form of over the counter medication is Acetaminophen. In the case of acute pain, it acts as analgesic. These medicines can be taken independently or in combination with NSAID.

The best advice is to take these over the counter medications only with the doctors advice. Also, use alternative medicines and physical exercises along to treat your condition for ever.